I just had my steering gear box replaced. I went with a rebuilt one from Duntov Motor Company. All the mechanic did was put it in. When I got it back the steering had a lot of play when centered but once you turn past the play the steering seemed pretty hard, stiff, tight. The guy at Duntov said to tighten the adjustment screw all the way down until its tight, then back off 1/2 turn. I can tighten the screw down snug and get the play out but it is still hard to turn. If I back off 1/2 turn from there the play is back. I read a post somewhere that indicated that the steering effort is adjusted by this screw, but I don't understand how I can get it easier without getting the play back in it. Is it this hard because it's new?

 

Look here for starters --> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...r1999+steering

Advanced search on steering & gtr1999 should get you the info needed.

 

Sounds like some shabby advice and a crummy rebuilt box to me, just my 2 pesos. That screw with lock down nut adjusts the over-center preload on the mechanism. It needs to be set so that the "over-center" preload is 11-14 inch pounds measured at the input shaft. Once you go past center, the force to turn the shaft is fairly minimal and should be smooth.

 

OMG, that's some of the worst advise ever. You can NOT adjust the lash like that. if the box is tight something is not right, the gears are machined so they are meshing tighter on center so you have on center feel and stability, it will be smoother off center. It sounds like something is seriously wrong with yours, a crappy rebuild. The screw does not set the steering effort, it sets the lash and by tightening it you force the gears to mesh tighter, wear faster and possibly lock up the box if things get hot in there. Send the box back, it's a shoddy rebuild job. When done properly these boxes are nice and tight. It is NOT tight because it's rebuilt, it's tight because it's a piece of junk!

 

there is also a spec on the torque range to turn the input shaft alone. a gorilla must have set that bearing preload!

 

I wonder? ... if ... DMC got that permission to use that name/brand ... so that lotsa folks would recognize it as an icon ... and expect products/services to be superior ... and if all that's really happening is slapping a fancy name on some hi-priced stuff ... some shoddy ... some ridiculously hi-priced? That's a question, I dunno.

BTW ... DMC site claims all boxes now done in house because the learned their lesson using outside rebuilders. That's stated on their site.

 

you should only have to turn that screw a hair to notice a difference

vc

 

These kind of problems is why i don't buy over the counter rebuild units. I like to do things myself and be sure that it is done right, and yes, sometimes i mess things up and in the end it will not be cheaper than buying it all out, but one you get scr*wed you know better.

The advice they gave you is right, it should be thighter on center .

 

Since the GM spec for adjustment of the thrust bearing preload requires removal of the pitman arm and use of an special inch pound wrench, we gave the customer advice on a practical adjustment that might have solved the problem. The advice was not to tighten the adjustment all the way in!

Several years ago we got fed up with the large steering box overhaul outfit that supplies most Corvette shops, and we started doing them ourselves. Several months ago we gave the overhaul shop another shot at it, and the results have not been disappointing until now.

Last week we re-started our steering gearbox overhaul line, and we will no longer be using outside vendors for this product.

If the customer requested a replacement gearbox, it would already be on the way. We stand by our products.

 

Here's my problem. It seems quite obvious from this thread that the gear box has got a problem. I read the post on the Duntov site as well about all theirs being done in house because of the junk they were getting . . . best worm gears and all that. That is one of the main reasons that I went with theirs - probably the biggest reason. I thought it would be perfect. I am disappointed but maybe that's not their normal work. Maybe I just got the one bad apple. My problem now is that I paid $120 to have it put in and now I'm going to have to have another one. I'll call the vendor tomorrow and tell him the story. I don't know what to expect. But don't you guys think they should foot the bill for the labor to have it replaced? I don't want to cheat anyone but man, this is the last thing I expected from Duntov. I don't have the money for this kind of stuff. Maybe I should have inquired a little more. Boy - I was really excited when I went to pick up my car. I've been dealing with a bad gear box for some time now - I couldn't wait to get it. That emotion got shut down quick - know what I mean? I just can't believe it

 

Jcurrie, Lightweight 001's profile seems to be "Duntov Motors" vendor of your box. IMHO, I don't think your request is that unreasonable.

 

I think they should pay for the labor to install a different box.

 

I have one of your Boxes installed on my 'Vette. I needed to tighten it 2 full turns to get it as close as it should be. It's a year old. After the tightening, it is extreemly acurate on center, about 1/2 to 3/4 in either way to hook up, but the very last of the return is a bit slow. when I got it, it was off, too much play. you need to pay more attention to your steering boxes. A good vender would send you a good replacement box, inspected by him, and on return, if your box proved defective, they should foot the bill for the new install, It's only fair. It reminds me of something I see all the time. When I go to resturaunt for the first time for a burger, when i get the burger, I can tell if the beef is a good quality beef, fresh, or a frozen puck from Costco. I mean, you can tell. And I'm thinking, what, do these people think i'm coming back here, as they tried to save 70c on the paddy? Get the good beef, and people will come back 20 times a year, that's where you make your money, not cheating me out of 70c and making me unhappy. A little good service goes a long way. I'd gladly pay more for quality, but the quality has to be there, and back up with more then "Words".

 

Yes, this is Duntov. I will pay for the install, and send you a new box today and included in the box will be the return prepaid shipping label. You said the install was $120?

 

IMO, put in a rack and don't look back.....

the ratio improvement in handling is allmost as great as modern tires....

 

That's what I call "customer support." Not a lot of companies out there that would do that.

 

These are the kind of vendors I want to advertise on my website!

 

Lightweight 001 - Thank you for your reply. I appreciate and accept your offer. Yes, the labor that they charged me was $120. Can you tell by my screen name who I am in your customer data base or do you need me to call and give you the ship to information. I'm glad you were in the loop on this thread - I was dreading having to call and replay all of this. Because of this thread though I have had several PM's. Some of which regard the gear box spec's - questions that I couldn't answer, so I will pass them on to you. I asked some of these questions before when I called DMC after first receiving the box, but the person on the phone had no answer but did offer his after hours number. Based on your post, that may be because the box I received might have been a farm out and he had no way of knowing. When I get the new gear box, will it already be set up, preloaded, and sitting at center? I have no way to verify the setup. Can you tell me what the preload and the over center lash will be set at? And do you have a spec for lash gap and side play in the bushings? I guess my big concern is will this be a gear box that is assembled in your plant? Based on your website I regard you guys as the experts in this, I just want to make sure it's not another farm out. I don't want to buy from the experts if the experts aren't building it. I hope you understand.
Thanks - John Currie